Jake Wittich
@jakewittich.bsky.social
🌈 Managing Editor and LGBTQ+ news reporter for @windycitytimes.com
📧 Sign up for our newsletters! https://windycitytimes.com/newsletters/
📍: Chicago
📧 Sign up for our newsletters! https://windycitytimes.com/newsletters/
📍: Chicago
Pinned
Wow! I’m so honored to be named Journalist of the Year by the Chicago Journalists Association. It’s been a whirlwind couple of years of growth and hard work, and this recognition means a lot.
Huge thanks to the entire @windycitytimes.com team. I don't do this work alone, so this award is ours.
Huge thanks to the entire @windycitytimes.com team. I don't do this work alone, so this award is ours.
Reposted by Jake Wittich
Astonishing: Bovino and his agents showed up at the Bean this morning to pose for pictures. While Border Patrol snapped photos, one agent shouted, “Everyone say, ‘Little Village!’” The neighborhood where they are least welcome and most acutely felt. blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/10/b...
Border Patrol Agents Pose At 'The Bean' For Apparent Photo Op
The photo op came after agents tear-gassed a Little Village street and were spotted in the area numerous times. At the Bean, one agent shouted, "Everyone say, Little Village!"
blockclubchicago.org
November 10, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Astonishing: Bovino and his agents showed up at the Bean this morning to pose for pictures. While Border Patrol snapped photos, one agent shouted, “Everyone say, ‘Little Village!’” The neighborhood where they are least welcome and most acutely felt. blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/10/b...
The big week is finally here, and I'm SO excited to accept the Journalist of the Year award this Friday at the Chicago Journalists Association awards!
If you haven't yet, get your tickets now! www.eventbrite.com/e/cjas-86th-...
If you haven't yet, get your tickets now! www.eventbrite.com/e/cjas-86th-...
November 10, 2025 at 3:31 PM
The big week is finally here, and I'm SO excited to accept the Journalist of the Year award this Friday at the Chicago Journalists Association awards!
If you haven't yet, get your tickets now! www.eventbrite.com/e/cjas-86th-...
If you haven't yet, get your tickets now! www.eventbrite.com/e/cjas-86th-...
Reposted by Jake Wittich
I recently joined @imarajones.bsky.social on The Mess, to talk about politics.
Check it out anywhere you get your podcasts.
Check it out anywhere you get your podcasts.
This week on The Mess, @imarajones.bsky.social is joined by @cwnewser.bsky.social, senior national reporter for The Advocate. Together they deconstruct how our political climate and norms have been demolished under the absurdity of this administration.
🎧 Tune in: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
🎧 Tune in: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
November 9, 2025 at 6:41 PM
I recently joined @imarajones.bsky.social on The Mess, to talk about politics.
Check it out anywhere you get your podcasts.
Check it out anywhere you get your podcasts.
Reposted by Jake Wittich
Chicago's rainbow crosswalks in Northalsted are coming back—this time with two Progress Pride designs in the mix.
“While other states are erasing LGBTQ+ history from their streets, Chicago is doubling down on inclusion,” said Ald. Bennett Lawson.
Read more: windycitytimes.com/2025/11/07/c...
“While other states are erasing LGBTQ+ history from their streets, Chicago is doubling down on inclusion,” said Ald. Bennett Lawson.
Read more: windycitytimes.com/2025/11/07/c...
November 7, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Chicago's rainbow crosswalks in Northalsted are coming back—this time with two Progress Pride designs in the mix.
“While other states are erasing LGBTQ+ history from their streets, Chicago is doubling down on inclusion,” said Ald. Bennett Lawson.
Read more: windycitytimes.com/2025/11/07/c...
“While other states are erasing LGBTQ+ history from their streets, Chicago is doubling down on inclusion,” said Ald. Bennett Lawson.
Read more: windycitytimes.com/2025/11/07/c...
Chicago's rainbow crosswalks in @northalsted.bsky.social are returning—this time with two Progress Pride flags in the mix.
"While other states are erasing LGBTQ+ history from their streets, Chicago is doubling down on inclusion," Ald. Bennett Lawson said.
Read more at @windycitytimes.com.
"While other states are erasing LGBTQ+ history from their streets, Chicago is doubling down on inclusion," Ald. Bennett Lawson said.
Read more at @windycitytimes.com.
Chicago’s rainbow crosswalks are making a comeback in Northalsted—now with Progress Pride designs - Windy City Times
Chicago has started repainting the rainbow crosswalks in Northalsted—and the first one now reflects the Progress Pride Flag’s inclusive design. The project will restore all 14 of the neighborhood’s co...
windycitytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Chicago's rainbow crosswalks in @northalsted.bsky.social are returning—this time with two Progress Pride flags in the mix.
"While other states are erasing LGBTQ+ history from their streets, Chicago is doubling down on inclusion," Ald. Bennett Lawson said.
Read more at @windycitytimes.com.
"While other states are erasing LGBTQ+ history from their streets, Chicago is doubling down on inclusion," Ald. Bennett Lawson said.
Read more at @windycitytimes.com.
Reposted by Jake Wittich
Trump deportation agent: "I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes. Put that in your book boys.”
November 7, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Trump deportation agent: "I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes. Put that in your book boys.”
Reposted by Jake Wittich
@jakewittich.bsky.social joined us today to share his new reporting about alleged discrimination at a Chicago Round1 Arcade. A trans man used the bathroom that was the same as his gender assigned at birth. But then Round1 security and management got involved...
youtu.be/wucI7n6BSh0
youtu.be/wucI7n6BSh0
Discrimination at a Chicago Round1 Arcade?
YouTube video by The Gaily Show
youtu.be
November 5, 2025 at 11:07 PM
@jakewittich.bsky.social joined us today to share his new reporting about alleged discrimination at a Chicago Round1 Arcade. A trans man used the bathroom that was the same as his gender assigned at birth. But then Round1 security and management got involved...
youtu.be/wucI7n6BSh0
youtu.be/wucI7n6BSh0
Chicago's rainbow crosswalks in @northalsted.bsky.social are making a comeback—now reflecting the Progress Pride design.
Stay tuned for more from @windycitytimes.com.
Stay tuned for more from @windycitytimes.com.
November 7, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Chicago's rainbow crosswalks in @northalsted.bsky.social are making a comeback—now reflecting the Progress Pride design.
Stay tuned for more from @windycitytimes.com.
Stay tuned for more from @windycitytimes.com.
Reposted by Jake Wittich
Attendance has dropped at Chicago schools in communities with increased immigration enforcement.
Chalkbeat reports: blockclubchi.co/43hlTBr
Chalkbeat reports: blockclubchi.co/43hlTBr
November 7, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Attendance has dropped at Chicago schools in communities with increased immigration enforcement.
Chalkbeat reports: blockclubchi.co/43hlTBr
Chalkbeat reports: blockclubchi.co/43hlTBr
Reposted by Jake Wittich
Wanna see what happened after Border Patrol shot a woman in Chicago?
So do @chicago.suntimes.com and @illinoisanswers.bsky.social. So we asked CPD for videos.
But the cops said no — because a chief is accused of waving off the police response and is facing investigation.
tinyurl.com/8ktur6kh
So do @chicago.suntimes.com and @illinoisanswers.bsky.social. So we asked CPD for videos.
But the cops said no — because a chief is accused of waving off the police response and is facing investigation.
tinyurl.com/8ktur6kh
Chicago police withhold Border Patrol shooting videos, citing probe of chief accused of calling off cops
Patrol Chief Jon Hein faced a flood of criticism — from ex-cops, internet trolls and members of his own department — after his officers were ordered not to respond to the Oct. 4 shooting in Brighton P...
tinyurl.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Wanna see what happened after Border Patrol shot a woman in Chicago?
So do @chicago.suntimes.com and @illinoisanswers.bsky.social. So we asked CPD for videos.
But the cops said no — because a chief is accused of waving off the police response and is facing investigation.
tinyurl.com/8ktur6kh
So do @chicago.suntimes.com and @illinoisanswers.bsky.social. So we asked CPD for videos.
But the cops said no — because a chief is accused of waving off the police response and is facing investigation.
tinyurl.com/8ktur6kh
This was a lot of fun! We had a great discussion on how LGBTQ+ media can better work with PR pros to ensure queer stories are told fairly and accuracy, all year round.
I learned a lot and left feeling inspired to find more ways to connect these comms pros with other LGBTQ+ journalists.
I learned a lot and left feeling inspired to find more ways to connect these comms pros with other LGBTQ+ journalists.
We had a great time hosting Communicating LGBTQ+ Stories with Publicity Club of Chicago! Big thanks to Precious Brady-Davis, Dr. Travis Gayles, Jake Wittich & moderator Sean Lewis for a thoughtful convo on authentic, year-round LGBTQ+ representation in media.
November 7, 2025 at 4:14 PM
This was a lot of fun! We had a great discussion on how LGBTQ+ media can better work with PR pros to ensure queer stories are told fairly and accuracy, all year round.
I learned a lot and left feeling inspired to find more ways to connect these comms pros with other LGBTQ+ journalists.
I learned a lot and left feeling inspired to find more ways to connect these comms pros with other LGBTQ+ journalists.
I'm on this week's This News is So Gay with a great group of LGBTQ+ reporters from across the country.
We talked about ICE's invasion in Chicago, marriage equality, and where we're finding queer joy through it all.
Thanks to @kenschneck.bsky.social and @thebuckeyeflame.com for having me back!
We talked about ICE's invasion in Chicago, marriage equality, and where we're finding queer joy through it all.
Thanks to @kenschneck.bsky.social and @thebuckeyeflame.com for having me back!
This News is So Gay (11/5/25): A Path to LGBTQ+ Equality in Local Advocacy?
Featuring: David DeWitt (The Ohio Capital Journal), Jake Wittich (Windy City Times) and Jason Villemez (Philadelphia Gay News)
thebuckeyeflame.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:29 PM
I'm on this week's This News is So Gay with a great group of LGBTQ+ reporters from across the country.
We talked about ICE's invasion in Chicago, marriage equality, and where we're finding queer joy through it all.
Thanks to @kenschneck.bsky.social and @thebuckeyeflame.com for having me back!
We talked about ICE's invasion in Chicago, marriage equality, and where we're finding queer joy through it all.
Thanks to @kenschneck.bsky.social and @thebuckeyeflame.com for having me back!
Reposted by Jake Wittich
TODAY: Chicago Journalist of the Year @jakewittich.bsky.social is back with new reporting on how a transgender man is alleging discrimination for trying to use the bathroom. Plus, the New GenderCool leader invites Chicago to meet the ‘Champions’ at a November fundraiser. Tune in live at 230p CST!
November 5, 2025 at 4:16 PM
TODAY: Chicago Journalist of the Year @jakewittich.bsky.social is back with new reporting on how a transgender man is alleging discrimination for trying to use the bathroom. Plus, the New GenderCool leader invites Chicago to meet the ‘Champions’ at a November fundraiser. Tune in live at 230p CST!
Reposted by Jake Wittich
We’re hosting our next LGBTQ+ Journalists Mixer on Thursday, Nov. 13 — and the appetizers are on us!
If you're an LGBTQ+ journalist or media professional, come join us for a fun night of community connection.
RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/lgbtq-jour...
If you're an LGBTQ+ journalist or media professional, come join us for a fun night of community connection.
RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/lgbtq-jour...
October 28, 2025 at 1:46 PM
We’re hosting our next LGBTQ+ Journalists Mixer on Thursday, Nov. 13 — and the appetizers are on us!
If you're an LGBTQ+ journalist or media professional, come join us for a fun night of community connection.
RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/lgbtq-jour...
If you're an LGBTQ+ journalist or media professional, come join us for a fun night of community connection.
RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/lgbtq-jour...
Reposted by Jake Wittich
Got to talk to @jakewittich.bsky.social who was just named Journalist of the Year by the Chicago Journalists Association! 🍾🎉🙌
And he shared his new reporting on an new lawsuit against ICE, No Kings Chicago, and the passing of Miss Major. Watch on YouTube!
youtube.com/shorts/XYrIq...
And he shared his new reporting on an new lawsuit against ICE, No Kings Chicago, and the passing of Miss Major. Watch on YouTube!
youtube.com/shorts/XYrIq...
Jake Wittich: 2025 Journalist of the Year!
YouTube video by The Gaily Show
youtube.com
October 23, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Got to talk to @jakewittich.bsky.social who was just named Journalist of the Year by the Chicago Journalists Association! 🍾🎉🙌
And he shared his new reporting on an new lawsuit against ICE, No Kings Chicago, and the passing of Miss Major. Watch on YouTube!
youtube.com/shorts/XYrIq...
And he shared his new reporting on an new lawsuit against ICE, No Kings Chicago, and the passing of Miss Major. Watch on YouTube!
youtube.com/shorts/XYrIq...
Reposted by Jake Wittich
Chicago-area companies raked in millions from the feds as Operation Midway Blitz intensified.
The Watch investigative team reports: blockclubchi.co/3Wk8c0Q
The Watch investigative team reports: blockclubchi.co/3Wk8c0Q
October 23, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Chicago-area companies raked in millions from the feds as Operation Midway Blitz intensified.
The Watch investigative team reports: blockclubchi.co/3Wk8c0Q
The Watch investigative team reports: blockclubchi.co/3Wk8c0Q
Reposted by Jake Wittich
new joint by myself, @evanurquhart.bsky.social, @janethebane.meangirls.online, and @alysbrooks.bsky.social
the @assignedmedia.org crew headed out across the country and caught up with folks on the street at No Kings rallies from Chicago to Boston
take a look
the @assignedmedia.org crew headed out across the country and caught up with folks on the street at No Kings rallies from Chicago to Boston
take a look
ASSIGNED MEDIA'S TEAM WENT TO NO KINGS!
Four trans reporters at 5 rallies w/ one purpose: Understand how trans rights fit with the coalition of causes and communities in the largest single day protest in US history.
Our original reporting, here:
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Four trans reporters at 5 rallies w/ one purpose: Understand how trans rights fit with the coalition of causes and communities in the largest single day protest in US history.
Our original reporting, here:
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
‘Arms Locked in Solidarity,’ Markey and Millions Stand Up for What’s Right — Assigned
Senator Ed Markey spoke powerfully in Boston, reflecting the deep support for transgender rights at the No Kings protests across the U. S.
www.assignedmedia.org
October 20, 2025 at 2:10 PM
new joint by myself, @evanurquhart.bsky.social, @janethebane.meangirls.online, and @alysbrooks.bsky.social
the @assignedmedia.org crew headed out across the country and caught up with folks on the street at No Kings rallies from Chicago to Boston
take a look
the @assignedmedia.org crew headed out across the country and caught up with folks on the street at No Kings rallies from Chicago to Boston
take a look
Reposted by Jake Wittich
Save the date: Nov. 6! #TeamCStrategies is hosting a convo on covering LGBTQ+ stories in authentic, inclusive ways year-round. Panel includes MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis, Dr. Travis Gayles, Jake Wittich + moderator Sean Lewis. Learn more + RSVP: www.publicity.org/news-events/...
October 22, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Save the date: Nov. 6! #TeamCStrategies is hosting a convo on covering LGBTQ+ stories in authentic, inclusive ways year-round. Panel includes MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis, Dr. Travis Gayles, Jake Wittich + moderator Sean Lewis. Learn more + RSVP: www.publicity.org/news-events/...
Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26th Ward) has filed a federal claim over an incident in which an immigration enforcement agent briefly handcuffed and detained her inside Humboldt Park Health.
Ald. Jessie Fuentes files federal claim after ICE agent handcuffed her inside hospital - Windy City Times
Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26th Ward) has filed a federal claim over an incident in which an immigration enforcement agent briefly handcuffed and detained her inside Humboldt Park Health. Fuentes filed the ...
windycitytimes.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26th Ward) has filed a federal claim over an incident in which an immigration enforcement agent briefly handcuffed and detained her inside Humboldt Park Health.
Reposted by Jake Wittich
Reposted by Jake Wittich
Congratulations to our friend @jakewittich.bsky.social of @windycitytimes.com who was named Journalist of the Year by the Chicago Journalists Association! Well-deserved, Jake!
October 21, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Congratulations to our friend @jakewittich.bsky.social of @windycitytimes.com who was named Journalist of the Year by the Chicago Journalists Association! Well-deserved, Jake!
Reposted by Jake Wittich
ASSIGNED MEDIA'S TEAM WENT TO NO KINGS!
Four trans reporters at 5 rallies w/ one purpose: Understand how trans rights fit with the coalition of causes and communities in the largest single day protest in US history.
Our original reporting, here:
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Four trans reporters at 5 rallies w/ one purpose: Understand how trans rights fit with the coalition of causes and communities in the largest single day protest in US history.
Our original reporting, here:
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
‘Arms Locked in Solidarity,’ Markey and Millions Stand Up for What’s Right — Assigned
Senator Ed Markey spoke powerfully in Boston, reflecting the deep support for transgender rights at the No Kings protests across the U. S.
www.assignedmedia.org
October 20, 2025 at 11:02 AM
ASSIGNED MEDIA'S TEAM WENT TO NO KINGS!
Four trans reporters at 5 rallies w/ one purpose: Understand how trans rights fit with the coalition of causes and communities in the largest single day protest in US history.
Our original reporting, here:
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Four trans reporters at 5 rallies w/ one purpose: Understand how trans rights fit with the coalition of causes and communities in the largest single day protest in US history.
Our original reporting, here:
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Reposted by Jake Wittich
via @oriion.bsky.social: A majority of Americans (53 percent) believe transgender adults should have access to gender-affirming care, while 37 percent believe that trans minors should have that same access. 19thnews.org/2025/09/poll...
More Americans see a future where gender-affirming care will be harder to access
A new 19th News/SurveyMonkey poll shows that the share of people who think gender-affirming care will get less accessible jumped to 38% from 20% in 2024.
19thnews.org
October 19, 2025 at 10:28 PM
via @oriion.bsky.social: A majority of Americans (53 percent) believe transgender adults should have access to gender-affirming care, while 37 percent believe that trans minors should have that same access. 19thnews.org/2025/09/poll...
Wow! I’m so honored to be named Journalist of the Year by the Chicago Journalists Association. It’s been a whirlwind couple of years of growth and hard work, and this recognition means a lot.
Huge thanks to the entire @windycitytimes.com team. I don't do this work alone, so this award is ours.
Huge thanks to the entire @windycitytimes.com team. I don't do this work alone, so this award is ours.
October 20, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Wow! I’m so honored to be named Journalist of the Year by the Chicago Journalists Association. It’s been a whirlwind couple of years of growth and hard work, and this recognition means a lot.
Huge thanks to the entire @windycitytimes.com team. I don't do this work alone, so this award is ours.
Huge thanks to the entire @windycitytimes.com team. I don't do this work alone, so this award is ours.
Reposted by Jake Wittich
18 Oct 2025 -- Pop star/singer Sabrina Carpenter will now use her arena tour to funnel proceeds through the Sabrina Carpenter Fund to benefit the Transgender Law Center. Good on ya' SC! @rikiwilchins.bsky.social
Sabrina Carpenter Expands Tour Fund to Support Trans Rights
Sabrina Carpenter expands her tour’s charity fund to support the Transgender Law Center, using her platform to promote trans rights and real-world allyship.
www.transvitae.com
October 20, 2025 at 12:31 PM
18 Oct 2025 -- Pop star/singer Sabrina Carpenter will now use her arena tour to funnel proceeds through the Sabrina Carpenter Fund to benefit the Transgender Law Center. Good on ya' SC! @rikiwilchins.bsky.social